Exercise activated switch

ABSTRACT

The invention is an exercise activated switch that includes a bicycle that is mounted on a stand. When a user peddles the bicycle a signal is sent to signal receiver, which triggers a switch and allows a cable or satellite signal, or a DVD player, to reach a television or other media device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an exercise activated on and off switch. More particularly, it relates to a switch for a media device that is controlled by the operation of a children's bicycle, which is positioned on a stand, such that the bicycle may be peddled freely without the bicycle moving. The media device is enabled when the rear wheel of the children's bicycle is moving.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Childhood obesity has increased drastically over the past 30 years. Indeed, several studies show that, over the past 30 years, the rate of childhood obesity has tripled. Among children aged 6 to 11 years, obesity has increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008 and among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years has increased from 5.0% to 18.1%. Although an increase in the consumption of high calorie processed foods is partly responsible for this increase, the primary reason for the increase is the significant decrease in how much time children spend exercising. Indeed, compared to how much time children in 1980 spent exercising, today's children spend much less time exercising. Instead, a significant percentage of leisure time is spent watching TV, playing computer games, or texting one's friends. Very few calories are expended during these types of sedentary activities. It should come as no surprise that the obesity rates are higher among children and teenagers who frequently watch television.

Because of the importance of media and TV in today's society, it is frequently difficult to prevent children from watching television frequently. Recognizing this, over the past fifteen years, makers of exercise equipment have started to incorporate media devices into the exercise equipment so that users can combine exercise with watching TV. It is now common for a treadmill or a stationary exercise bicycle to have a television incorporated into the machine itself. However, because the owner of the exercise device can simply ignore the exercise device and watch a TV that is merely incorporated into the machine itself, there is no requirement that the user be exercising in order to watch TV. Thus, what is needed is a switch that is connected to a media device, which only allows the viewer to watch TV when an exercise device is being operated.

Several references disclose various exercise related on/off switches that are dependent on exercise. One such reference is (“USPN”) U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,746, issued to Delman, which discloses an “activity controlled audio-visual system.” The Delman device has several drawbacks, including the fact that it requires that the user be working, or peddling, at a certain, frequently high-rate in order for the audio-visual system to operate. Additionally, the Delman device does not incorporate a bicycle into the design. As such, it does not allow the user to make an indoor use of an outdoor vehicle.

Another exercise operated switch is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,298,893, issued to Holmes. Holmes discloses a TV energized by an exercise cycle. The movement of the pedals of the Holmes device drives a generator and the electricity that is generated is used to actuate a TV set. Thus, Holmes requires the person to work extrodinarily hard in order to power the TV or other selected media device. Furthermore, the Holmes device is a stationary indoor exercise device, and does not incorporate an outdoor vehicle, such as a bicycle, into its design.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,936, issued to Thomas, discloses a “switching apparatus for an exercise powered T.V.”. The Thomas device, similar to the device disclosed in the Delman reference, includes a threshold amount of work that must be done in order to activate the switch. Indeed, Thomas specifically discloses a pulse generator for generating pulses, which detects the amount of work produced by the user of the stationary exercise device. The Thomas device has a transmitter that transmits the pulses, which, if frequent enough, will switch on a media device. Importantly, Thomas does not disclose that the exercise device may be an outdoor bicycle.

None of these references disclose the conversion of a children's bicycle into an indoor exercise device that is used as a switch to operate an electrical device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the invention are directed towards overcoming the above deficiencies of the prior art by providing an easy-to-use, easy-to-assemble, and inexpensive exercise activated on/off switch for a media device.

One embodiment of the present invention is an exercise activated switch for a media device comprising: a bicycle, wherein the bicycle has a rear wheel; a bicycle stand; a sensor; a signal transmitter; a signal receiver; and a switch. The bicycle is mounted on the bicycle stand such that the rear wheel of the bicycle is elevated and freely rotatable. The sensor is connected to the signal receiver and it senses when the rear wheel of the bicycle is rotating. This causes the signal transmitter to send a transmission to the signal receiver so long as the rear wheel of the bicycle is rotating. The transmission causes the signal receiver, to activate the switch. The switch, when activated, enables operation of a media device. Preferably the bicycle is a single speed cruiser type of children's bicycle. Preferably the bicycle has a rear wheel hub and the bicycle is mounted on the bicycle stand at the rear wheel hub. The bicycle stand may be an expandable platform, and is designed to accommodate a variety of bicycle types and sizes. Preferably, the media device is a television, and the switch is positioned between the television and a content provider signal feed, such as a broadcast, cable signal, or satellite signal, and wherein the switch enables operation of the television by allowing the content provider signal feed to connect to the television.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor is preferably a dynamo. The dynamo is connected to the signal transmitter and the dynamo is in contact with the rear wheel of the bicycle and the dynamo generates an electrical charge when the rear wheel of the bicycle is rotating and the electrical charge powers the signal transmitter. The signal transmitter sends a transmission to the signal receiver so long as the rear wheel of the bicycle is rotating.

In another embodiment of the invention, the exercise activated switch for a media device further comprises a resistance mechanism. The resistance mechanism may also be the dynamo.

In another embodiment of the invention, the exercise activated switch for a media device comprises: a bicycle, wherein the bicycle has a rear wheel; a bicycle stand; a dynamo; a signal transmitter; a signal receiver; and a switch. The bicycle is mounted on the bicycle stand such that the rear wheel of the bicycle is elevated and freely rotatable. The dynamo is connected to the signal receiver. The dynamo is in contact with the rear wheel of the bicycle and the dynamo generates an electrical charge when the rear wheel of the bicycle is rotating and the electrical charge powers the signal transmitter. The signal transmitter sends a transmission to the signal receiver so long as the rear wheel of the bicycle is rotating and so long as the dynamo generates the electrical charge. The transmission causes the signal receiver to activate the switch. The switch, when activated, enables operation of a media device. Preferably, the bicycle has a rear wheel hub and wherein the bicycle is mounted on the bicycle stand at the rear wheel hub. The bicycle stand may be an expandable platform that accommodates bicycles of all sizes. Preferably, the bicycle is a single speed cruiser children's bicycle. Preferably the media device is a television and the switch is positioned between the television and a content provider signal feed. The switch enables operation of the television by allowing the content provider signal feed to connect to the television. Typically, the transmission is wireless.

It is an object of this invention to motivate children to do more exercise by associating a pleasurably leisurely activity that they spend a lot of time doing, such as watching TV or playing video games, with a physical activity that they may dislike. The invention allows a parent to convert their children's bicycle into a stationary exercise device that doubles as a media switch. The bike is placed on a stand so that the rear wheel is prevented from touching the floor.

The present invention preferably includes a standard children's bicycle that can be purchased in any store. The bicycle is a standard pedal-driven and human-powered machine that is well known in the art. The pedals are attached to the rear wheel hub by a chain, which enables rotation of the rear wheel. The rotation of the rear wheel is sensed, which causes a switch to connect a cable feed to a television.

It is an object of the invention to require the user to exercise in order to access a media device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise powered on and off switch for a media device that overcomes the limitations of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to be able to convert a standard street cruiser bicycle into a stationary bicycle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise activated switch that is inexpensive and easy to assemble.

Another object of the present invention is to enable the transmitter to work in combination with the sensor and to be powered only by the energy produced by the motion of the wheels of the bicycle, and to send the signal to a receiver.

Other features and advantages are inherent in the exercise powered device claimed and disclosed will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the stand of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description of the various embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. However, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of the invention.

In the following detailed description of the various embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. In addition, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments of the invention. For instance, the term “dynamo” refers to any alternating or direct current electrical generator. The term “sensor” refers to any device that measures a physical quantity, such as the rotation of a bicycle tire, and converts it into a signal which can be read by an observer or by another instrument.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the exercise activated switch is preferably comprised of bicycle 5, front wheel 6, rear wheel 7, rear hub 10, peddles 15, chain 17, stand 20, sensor 25, signal transmitter 30, signal receiver 35, switch 36, television 40, content provider signal feed 45, connector cable 48, and power adaptor 50. FIG. 1 shows how the exercise activated switch is powered by a rider 100, who is preferably a child. FIG. 1 shows how rider 100 peddles bicycle 5, which causes rear wheel 7 to rotate or turn. Sensor 25 senses when rear wheel 7 rotates and sensor 25 communicates with signal transmitter 30 and causes signal transmitter 30 to send a transmission. The transmission is received by signal receiver 35. When the transmission is received switch 36 operates to connect content provider signal feed 45 to television 40. In this manner, the television receives a content provider signal feed and displays the images to rider 100. Preferably, when the rider stops peddling the sensor 25 relays this change to the signal transmitter 30, which ceases to send the transmission to the signal receiver 35, which causes switch 36 to cut the content provider signal feed 45 to television 40. In this manner, the rider 100 will only be able to view the television 40 if he continues to peddle.

FIG. 1 also shows how stand 20 is preferably connected to bicycle 5 at bicycle rear hub 10 and elevates the rear wheel 7 above the floor. In this manner the rear wheel 7 may freely rotate. FIG. 1 shows that the bicycle 5 is preferably a single speed children's bicycle. However, it should be understood that bicycle 5 can be any type of bicycle. The bicycle is preferably a fully functional and working outdoor bicycle. Additionally, the rider 100 may be of any age or size without deviating from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows that the exercise activated switch allows the rider 100 to view a television. It should be understood, however, that the exercise activated switch may be combined with any media device, including, but not limited to, a video game system, a DVD player, a computer, and/or a radio.

FIG. 1 also shows that sensor 25, as preferred, is a dynamo, or electrical generator, that is in contact with rear wheel 7, such that when rear wheel 7 turns, the dynamo turns and generates an electrical charge. The electrical charge powers the signal transmitter 30, which is preferably connected to the dynamo by an electrical wire, and causes the signal transmitter 30 to send a transmission, or signal, to the signal receiver 35. In this manner, so long as the rear wheel 7 continues to turn or rotate, the signal or transmission is transmitted to the signal receiver 35. This embodiment also eliminates the need to have an external power source or batter for the signal transmitter 30. The signal or transmission, as shown in FIG. 1, is preferably a wireless radio frequency signal. However, the transmission may be sent via wire or may be any type of wireless transmission, microwave, satellite, or infrared signal, or the like.

FIG. 1 shows that the content provider signal feed 45 is a standard cable signal feed. However, content provider signal feed 45 may any content or media transmission, feed, or signal, including, but not limited to, a satellite signal, a broadcast signal, a broadband signal, a radio frequency, a coaxial cable, a composite video, and/or high-definition multimedia interface. It is preferred that the media signal is switched on and off by the switch 36, and not the media device, or television 40, itself, because it is simpler and potentially less damaging to the media device. Power adaptor 50 provides power to switch 36 and signal receiver 35, which, as shown in FIG. 1, are preferably housed within the same unit.

FIG. 1 also shows how the exercise activated switch may include a resistance mechanism. In this case, the sensor 25 also acts as a resistance mechanism, but it should be understood that these could be two separate devices. The resistance mechanism should be in direct contact with the rear wheel 7, and is a device that provides resistance to the rotation of the rear wheel 7. In this manner, the rider 100 will have overcome the resistance mechanism in order to peddle bicycle 5.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the stand of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the bicycle stand 200 preferably has bottom support pole 201, main support poles 202, pads 207, hinged leg 208, hinge 210, cranks 220, connectors 221, dynamo 225, and transmitter 230. The bike stand 200 is preferably a sturdy device that can easily bear the weight of a bicycle and its rider without letting the bicycle move around as the rider peddles the bicycle in place. The bicycle is attached to the bicycle stand 200 at connectors 221, which preferably attach to the rear wheel and/or the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. The cranks 220 allow the user to quickly attach the bicycle to the bicycle stand 200. The pads 207 protect the floor, upon which the stand is placed from being scratched or damaged. The hinge 210 allows hinged leg 208 to be folded away when the present invention is not in use.

FIG. 2 shows how the sensor is a dynamo 225, which is convex so as to cradle and directly contact the rear wheel of the bicycle. This allows a large surface area of the dynamo 225 to contact the outside of the rear wheel of the bicycle. The dynamo 225 is turned when the rear wheel of the bicycle is rotated. The dynamo generates an electrical charge, which preferably powers the transmitter 230. So long as the dynamo 225 is turned, or cranked, the transmitter 230 continues to send its signal. As shown in FIG. 1, the signal is received by a signal receiver, which enables the viewing of a television.

Although the bicycle stand 200 is shown with a particular design, any sturdy design will do that elevates the rear wheel and prevents the bicycle from falling over or otherwise being unstable. Indeed, it is preferred that the main support poles 202 and the bottom support pole 201 are telescopically extendible and retractable so as to better accommodate bicycles of various types and sizes. Additionally, one or more resistance devices may be incorporated into the bicycle stand 200 to increase the amount of exercise needed to perform in order to enable the media device.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto. 

1. An exercise activated switch for a media device comprising: a bicycle, wherein said bicycle has a rear wheel and a front wheel; a bicycle stand; a sensor; a signal transmitter; a signal receiver; and a switch; wherein said bicycle is a converted street bicycle; wherein said bicycle is mounted on said bicycle stand such that said rear wheel of said bicycle is elevated and freely rotatable; wherein said sensor is connected to said signal receiver; wherein said sensor senses when said rear wheel of said bicycle is rotating and causes said signal transmitter to send a transmission to said signal receiver so long as said rear wheel of said bicycle is rotating; wherein said transmission causes said signal receiver to activate said switch; and wherein said switch, when activated, enables operation of a media device.
 2. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 1, wherein said bicycle is a single speed bicycle.
 3. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 2, wherein said single speed bicycle is a children's bicycle.
 4. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 1, wherein said bicycle has a rear wheel hub and wherein said bicycle is mounted on said bicycle stand at said rear wheel hub.
 5. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 4, wherein said bicycle stand accommodates a variety of types of street bicycles.
 6. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 1, wherein said media device is a television.
 7. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 6, wherein said switch is positioned between said television and a content provider signal feed and wherein said switch enables operation of said television by allowing said content provider signal feed to connect to said television.
 8. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 1, wherein said sensor is a dynamo; wherein said dynamo is connected to said signal transmitter; wherein said dynamo is in contact with said rear wheel of said bicycle and said dynamo generates an electrical charge when said rear wheel of said bicycle is rotating and said electrical charge powers said signal transmitter; wherein said signal transmitter sends a transmission to said signal receiver so long as said rear wheel of said bicycle is rotating.
 9. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 1, further comprising: a resistance mechanism.
 10. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 8, further comprising: a resistance mechanism.
 11. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 10, wherein said resistance mechanism is said dynamo.
 12. An exercise activated switch for a media device comprising: a bicycle, wherein said bicycle has a rear wheel and a front wheel; a bicycle stand; a dynamo; a signal transmitter; a signal receiver; and a switch; wherein said bicycle is a converted street bicycle; wherein said bicycle is mounted on said bicycle stand such that said rear wheel of said bicycle is elevated and freely rotatable; wherein said dynamo is connected to said signal receiver; wherein said dynamo is in contact with said rear wheel of said bicycle and said dynamo generates an electrical charge when said rear wheel of said bicycle is rotating and said electrical charge powers said signal transmitter; wherein said signal transmitter sends a transmission to said signal receiver so long as said rear wheel of said bicycle is rotating and so long as said dynamo generates said electrical charge; wherein said transmission causes said signal receiver to activate said switch; and wherein said switch, when activated, enables operation of a media device.
 13. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 12, wherein said bicycle has a rear wheel hub and wherein said bicycle is mounted on said bicycle stand at said rear wheel hub.
 14. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 13, wherein said bicycle stand accommodates a variety of types of bicycles.
 15. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 14, wherein said bicycle is a single speed bicycle.
 16. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 15, wherein said single speed bicycle is a children's bicycle.
 17. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 16, wherein said media device is a television.
 18. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 17, wherein said switch is positioned between said television and a content provider signal feed and wherein said switch enables operation of said television by allowing said content provider signal feed to connect to said television.
 19. The exercise activated switch for a media device of claim 18, wherein said transmission is wireless. 